This guide for school improvement uses as its foundation the Concerns-Based Adoption Model which describes the changing feelings of individuals as they learn about, prepare for, use, and refine new practices. Seven linear steps are depicted as they relate to the school improvement process: (1) establishing the school improvement project: (2)…

Described here is a research project being undertaken to address two points: the relationship of the fidelity of program replication to program outcomes at user sites; and the extent to which fidelity can occur in programs with more than a few replicates. The findings will have bearing on the usefulness of the Research, Development, and Diffusion…

The research discussed in this paper was intended to identify factors that promote or retard change in schools and to relate those factors to the modifications they foster. Data were collected from 13 Wisconsin elementary schools to determine what factors affect (1) the decision to adopt an innovation, (2) the rate of implementation of an…

Implementing an educational program on time is not as important as being properly prepared for implementation. The responses to a number of key questions can reveal whether the program has been adequately planned. Once the program is in operation it must be effectively evaluated. Successful evaluation requires a systematic, clear procedure that is…

This document describes major examples of trailblazing and pioneering efforts that are playing a role in designing new directions for student support. The work is being carried out at school, district, state, and national levels. The endeavors are grouped into three categories: (1) places where broad-based systemic changes are underway, (2) places…

According to a 1987 survey of administrators in 154 exemplary middle schools, certain implementation strategies are essential to ensure success, including participatory decision-making, leadership and philosophical vision, windows of opportunity, staff development, and evaluation and public relations expertise. Postimplementation strategies are…

Discussion of the role of implementation mediators in implementing computer technology in schools focuses on the role of WCET Television in helping schools in Cincinnati, Ohio, to adopt computer technology. Guidelines for successful implementation are suggested which emphasize the need to understand and address resistance to change. (21…

To find out about learning styles programs and instruments, educators can contact the Arizona State University's Educational Information System, perform an ERIC search, or request information from educational associations, organizations, and experts. This article advises on choosing learning style models, designing supportive environments,…

Presents guidelines designed to help teachers using whole language for the first time. Addresses a variety of concerns, including staff development, the change process, and implementation. (SR)

Critics of outcomes-based education and proponents of vouchers, school choice, creationism, and tax limitation measures often seem to be advocating publicly funded private education. School leaders attempting to implement OBE or other improvement programs should describe programs properly, involve the community, develop and implement a…

Examines the implementation of quality programs in four organizations; the communication used to introduce the programs and to encourage employees to participate; and employees' perceptions of the programs, implementation activities, and change agents. Presents four key themes that emerged: creating and communicating vision; sensemaking and…

Discusses how college presidents who were asked by the Knight commission to suggest changes in athletics programs founds themselves caught between forces focused on winning and on academics. (EV)

Considers issues involved in the change process within organizational culture. Highlights include adopting an appropriate management style; evaluation of performance; aspects of change; implications of change for people management; degrees of change; resistance to change; and an example of planning and implementing a new information technology…

Describes the success of an Indiana school district in implementing a major technology initiative. Presents 12 strategies for implementing such an initiative, usable as a framework for schools about to invest in technology (or for those with stalled or dysfunctional programs) and applicable to programs of varying size and scope. (SR)

Bottom-up reform as a policy strategy for decades has faltered in implementation. This article starts from the premise that these disappointing results stem from researchers' and practitioners' almost exclusive focus on implementation in schools or on what some call "the bottom" of hierarchical education systems but not shifts in policy…